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Audi For 2001 |
By Carey Russ |
Audi has an impressively varied and expanding lineup for 2001. Its newest offering is the Allroad, which combines the best features of a sport wagon and sport-utility vehicle. But that's not all. The S4 is joined by an Avant - Audi for sport wagon - version, and the S8, a high-performance variant of the A8 luxury sedan, debuts as well. The entry-level 1.8T model of the compact A4 has increased power from its 1.8-liter turbo engine, and the mid-size A6 gets new luxury and convenience features. The TT sports car line grew with the introduction of more powerful engines and a roadster version in the middle of last year.
Allroad
The new Audi Allroad combines the all-road, all-season versatility of a sport-utility with the performance and handling of a sports sedan. Although based on the mid-size A6 Avant, it has unique, bolder styling and uses the 250-hp 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from the A6 2.7T for power at all altitudes. The latest version of Audi's "Quattro" all-wheel drive system gives maximum traction on any surface. A four-level pneumatic suspension varies ride height from 5.6 inches for sport-level handling on pavement to 8.2 inches to deal with rutted dirt trails.
S4 and S8
High-performance Audis get the "S" model designation. The A4-based S4 sedan was new last year, and is now joined by S4 Avant. The Avant uses the same 250-hp 2.7-liter bi-turbo V6 and Quattro all-wheel drive system as the sedan, for a rare combination of performance, luxury, and utility.
The S8 takes the luxury and power of Audi's aluminum-intensive flagship A8 a step further with a 360-hp version of the A8's 4.2-liter V8. Quattro all-wheel drive ensures that the power gets to the ground in all situations.
A4
The compact A4 sedan and Avant get a performance boost for 2001. The 1.8-liter 1. turbo engine in 1.8T models goes from its previous 150 horsepower to 170, and does it more cleanly, receiving Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) status.
A6
The mid-size A6 comes in sedan and Avant body styles, with engines ranging from a 2.8-liter V6 through a 1.7-liter bi-turbo V6 and 4.2-liter V8. All have detail improvements for 2001.
A8
Audi's premium luxury sedan, the A8, is offered in regular and long-wheelbase sedan form. A new steering wheel with audio, telephone, and shift controls is this year's highlight.
Audi Specifications 2001 Allroad ENGINE 2.7-liter turbocharged, intercooled V6 Peak horsepower: 250 @ 5800 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 258 @ 1850 DRIVE TRAIN All-wheel drive 5 - speed automatic 6 - speed manual CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Unit-construction chassis Front suspension: independent four-link Rear suspension: independent double wishbone BRAKES Four-wheel ventilated antilock disc EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 16/21 manual 15/21 automatic Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons S4 ENGINE 2.7-liter turbocharged, intercooled V6 Peak horsepower: 250 @ 5800 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 258 @ 1850 DRIVE TRAIN All-wheel drive 6 - speed manual 5 - speed automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Unit-construction chassis Front suspension: independent four-link Rear suspension: independent double wishbone BRAKES Four-wheel antilock disc EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 17 / 24 Fuel tank: 16.4 gallons S8 ENGINE 4.2-liter V8 Peak horsepower: 360 @ 7000 Peak torque, lb-ft: 317 @ 3400 DRIVE TRAIN All-wheel drive 5 - speed automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Unit-construction chassis Front suspension: independent four-link Rear suspension: independent multilink BRAKES four-wheel antilock disc EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 15 / 21 Fuel tank: 23.8 gallons